Code of Conduct

Expatriés Cycling Code of Conduct

No matter what the sport, whenever we are out training we should always be aware of the potential hazards that surround us, this is especially important when out cycling as virtually all cycling happens in traffic (at least when getting out of Paris) – So to make sure we all stay safe, we pledge to adhere to the following code of conduct:

Respect all other road users: pedestrians, vehicle drivers (cars, trucks, buses), and our fellow cyclists – aim to get along with other traffic, not antagonize anyone.

Observe traffic laws and signs and use common sense.

Make decisions based on our own good judgement, and resist the herd mentality.

Riding in a group:

Be spatially aware – Everything you do has a knock-on effect on everyone behind and beside you. It’s ok to speak with your riding partner, but don’t let it distract you from keeping everyone safe.

Never overlap the wheels – A slight direction change can cause wheels to touch. Almost always the rider behind falls and then takes other riders down as well. Protect your front wheel.

Maximum two abreast – if conditions allow – and always on the right side of the lane, don’t hog the road.

Getting left behind – If the group waits for you to catch up, make an effort. You may have to stop chatting.

Ride at an appropriate speed – remember that’s why you are in the bunch: to ride with them! If you want to hammer it, then do it solo or in designated sessions.

Do NOT pass on the right – unless it is to avoid a crash or for some other emergency.

Dealing with cars and other traffic:

Stop for red lights as often as possible, especially when riding alone or in a small group.

At a red traffic light, don’t weave through cars to the front, but stay behind and try to re-group. This avoids obstructing cars, especially on the small roads, or roads with dividers.

In a large group, when it’s difficult for cars to overtake, leave gaps for a car to fit into.

DO NOT wave cars round a blind curve, even if it seems like a nice thing to do.

………you can of course wave to them to say thank you 😉

Signals:

When you are at the front of the bunch you are the eyes of the bunch, let everyone know what you are planning.

In the group, repeat the signals so that riders behind you are made aware.

Hand straight up in air – Group is stopping for a junction, puncture, to regroup, or because there is an obstruction in the road.

One hand as if “gently patting an invisible dog” – Group is slowing down or just ease things back a bit.

Left or right hand extended out to side – Direction of turn / change in direction coming up.

Pointing down at road sometimes with a circling motion “Jazz Hands” – Obstruction on road such as a pothole or glass that needs to be avoided. Be sensible with this one and only point out major obstacles.

Waving/pointing behind back – Indicates that there is an obstruction such as a parked car or pedestrian and that the whole group needs to move in the direction indicated to avoid it.

Verbal signals:

“Car back” should be the only standard warning. Pass the calls up the bunch, so that everyone knows about the call. Non-standard warnings could be “Nick has a flaaaat!!!”

Finally:

Share the Love. A smile and a wave go a long way if a driver has waited for a cyclist to get through a junction.

Say hello to other cyclists on the road as you pass. We are kindred spirits, connected by our passion and shared pain.

We all make mistakes – we should all be free to point them out to each other, to learn from them.